Holy Veronica

     Anyone that thinks women haven't had a significant role in our Catholic religion, needs to do some studying up. Starting with our Beloved Mother Mary leading the way. Her surrender and acceptance of the title "Mother of God", shows us the beginning of the importance of all historic women of the Bible. Then comes Mary Magdalene, a woman to have been thought to be doomed by her past, was redeemed and befriended by Jesus, in such an extraordinary way that she actually became a true disciple of Jesus. Being included from the beginning of Jesus's ministry all the way to the foot of the Cross. Then there is Saint Elizabeth. A woman way past the age of probability who bore the Beloved Saint John the Baptist. Then we arrive at St Veronica's placement. Defying the Roman soldiers, her heroism in stepping forward to stop the Holy way, wipes the sweet yet unrecognizable face of Jesus. Oh, how I can imagine Him looking at her so weak and bruised. It had to have broken her heart to see such cruelty, for an innocent man, struggling to carry such a heavy cross to a death that was so unjustified, not realizing this Agony had to be fulfilled and was caused because of sin. Oh! Holy Veronica! I love you. To be half the woman you were would make my heart content. 

     The Holy Veil hangs in St Peter's Basilica in Rome. The imprint of Jesus's Holy face still on that Holy cloth. It is displayed once a year, appropriately,  on Passion Sunday. It is considered one of the most prized relics of Christianity. 

     Father Heinrich Pfeiffer, a German Jesuit scholar, announced he had located Veronica's veil saying it was found at a small Capuchin friary, in the sanctuary of the Sacred Face. In Monopello, a small town in the Abruzzo region, about 150 miles from Rome in Italy's Apennine mountains. Much controversy remains to this statement as the Vatican claims to have the original. Nevertheless, it happened. The Holy event of Veronica wiping our Lord's face is even distinguished in the " Way of the Cross" meditations. Keeping its significance special as to the woman who had courage and compassion on the road to Calvary. The name "Veronica" in Greek and Latin, means "real icon" or "authentic image". Leave it to the mastery of our good God to have everything perfectly orchestrated as He allowed His only Son to redeem the world. 

    I thank all the women role models throughout the Bible and the history of our Catholicism for showing us that women are very important to the formation of our Christianity.

    All praise and honor to you Lord Jesus Christ.